Mario Kart 8 – everything you need to know

Features

April 23, 2014

Nintendo Wii U owners are really happy right now – the much anticipated Mario Kart 8 is nearly here, and I, too, cannot wait to dust off my Wii U and start racing when the game is released on 30 May 2014.

Below is a compilation of everything you need to know about the upcoming cart-racer, plus a stack of videos to get you even more hyped for the game.

Mario Kart 8 – The Details

Mario Kart 8 will not feature Voice Chat;
There will be 32 tracks to choose from, 16 new tracks and 16 returning tracks;
There will be over 30 playable character to choose from;
The Classic coin collecting will return, with the ability to collect 10 in one race;
Touching the Gamepad screen will honk your horn;
The Gamepad can show the live race, player position list, and the map;
The game runs at 1080p, 60 FPS, even during split-screen;
The game features 4-player local multiplayer;
The game features 12-player online race events;
The Piranha Plant is a new item which attaches to your kart, chomps up enemies, and gives you a speed boost;
The Boomerang Flower is a new item that can be thrown forwards or backwards to stun opponents;
Some of the music in Mario Kart is performed by a live band;
You can play Mario Kart 8 with the following: Wii U Gamepad, Wii U Pro Controller, Wii Wheel, Wii Remote, Wii Remote and Nunchuck;
The game will be playable off screen;
You will be able to create custom item sets for you races, allowing for a customised race depending on what your play style and preferences are;
Each track has a unique look and feel to it with different race styles spread across them. The Water Park has an underwater racing portion and the Thwomp Ruins has you gliding;
The Anti-Gravity mechanic is easily accessed by riding over a marker, giving you access to the game’s biggest new feature: riding on walls and upside down.